Inter Miami is kicking off a new era this Saturday as they officially open their brand-new stadium for Saturday’s game. But for midfielder David Ruiz, the commute to the pitch is a familiar one.
The Miami native discussed the pride of representing his city, just a few miles down the road from his mother’s restaurant in Little Havana.
For Ruiz, it will be a homecoming at the site that is now Miami Freedom Park. He recalled growing up near the location.
“I used to go to a water park, literally right next to a [Grape Land] water park,” Ruiz said. “I literally live 3 miles away from where it’s at right now. And just seeing how it went from being straight dirt to where it’s at right now is incredible.”
Just 3 miles from the stadium is a place near and dear to his heart. Right on Calle Ocho is his mother’s establishment, Alba’s Café and Restaurant, where she has proudly displayed all his soccer achievements. Soccer fans and supporter groups often come to the restaurant for the matches but stay for the food.
“I get the pollo chuco,” he said. “It’s just amazing. It’s literally chicken with plantains, and it’s just the Sazón that they use. It’s just amazing.”
What is truly amazing is that Ruiz is getting to live out his childhood dream at home. Since his father passed away, it is now David, his mother, and his four brothers.
Ruiz says he feels blessed to be a professional athlete in the city he grew up in, but sharing these moments with his mother makes it all the more special. It’s a small thank you he can give his mom for the sacrifices she’s made, including getting to “rub elbows” with international superstar Lionel Messi.
“I just feel like a lot of things happen for a reason,” Ruiz explained. “You know, my mom has been through it all, all the sacrifices that she’s made. Playing locally, we’d have to have one game, and we’d have to go to Tampa, we’d have to go to Orlando, and it was just trips that she probably had to call the day off. But yes, she’ll do it with a smile on her face.”
Now they’re smiling together and getting ready for a very short drive to the new stadium, his new home.
“Every little kid’s dream, you know, and being able to be that privileged person. Honestly, I’ve just got to thank God you know that he has me where he has me, and honestly, just looking forward to Saturday to go there and have fun.”
